Anthony Crolla and Willie Limond will put their friendship to one side when they fight for the British lightweight title. Defending champion Crolla actually stayed at his next opponent's house when he sparred with Ricky Burns This content is protected in Glasgow earlier in his career. However, the Mancunian will not be welcomed so warmly by the Scot when they step into the ring in Motherwell This content is protected on November 25. Crolla, who won the belt in February when he stopped John Watson This content is protected in Liverpool, This content is protected admits Limond is "one of the nicest people in the game" - but knows it's all about business when that first bell rings. Great hospitality "Me and Willie met three years ago. I went up to Glasgow to spar with Ricky Burns for the week ahead of his Commonwealth title," the 24-year-old said. "Willie put me up for the week. You meet a lot of nice people in boxing and Willie is right up there - he is one of the nicest people in the game. "He welcomed me into his house and treated me with great hospitality. He even dropped me back in Manchester. "It's a shame we have to fight and I'm sure we'll meet up after it. "If it wasn't a British title we wouldn't be fighting but Willie wants a shot at the title. "In the amateurs I have had to fight my friends - it's just business and there will be no falling out. "We'll put friendship aside for an hour and I'm sure we'll put on a great fight for the fans." Limond has won titles at European and Commonwealth level, his only defeats as a professional in 34 fights coming against Alex Arthur, This content is protected Amir Khan This content is protected and Erik Morales. This content is protected "I rate Willie very highly," Crolla said. "The only three times he has lost fights it was against world champions. "When he fought Morales it was a very brave effort and I'm certain he wouldn't have lost in six rounds had he not been fighting at altitude." In limbo Since the loss to Morales last September, Limond has only fought once, beating Arek Malek on points in his hometown of Glasgow. The 32-year-old admits he considered hanging up his gloves before promoter Tommy Gilmour promised to help him relaunch his career. "I have to thank Tommy. I was in limbo. Tommy told me he would get me a British title fight," he said. "If it wasn't for him I would probably be back on a building site working. "I've got another chance to get a title. The British title is the one everyone wants and I'm going to have to be at the top of my game."
